Philly-based indie rock quartet Johnny Action Figure built the foundation of their sound on pretty, Beach Boys-esque, three-part harmonies, supplemented with interesting drum beats, guitar solos, and some keys and synths mixed in for good measure. The band released their first full-length album, Good Eye, in January 2011 and have since put out a new EP, Solar Bear, which was just released last month. The EP is a great listen in its entirety, with a mix of upbeat tunes, slower jams and interludes that allow each song to flow into the next. Solar Bear is currently available for streaming through Johnny Action Figure’s BandCamp page and you also have the option to name your own price and buy an immediate download of the entire album. Listen to the new EP in the player below and, if you like what you hear, the band is playing a 21+ show at Milkboy tonight with support from Young Summers (formerly Adobayondei) and Come on Homewreckers. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $8 here.

This year’s Launch Music Conference and Festival kicked off last night in Lancaster. Now in it’s third year, Launch combines music industry panels and events with hundreds of music showcases at venues located throughout Lancaster tonight and tomorrow night. The performances draw on both national and local acts. Some of our picks for the weekend include:

This evening: The showcase at Freedom Hall at the Lancaster Convention Center with Kingsfoil (8:30PM), Adam Taylor (9PM) and River City Extension at 10PM. Alt-country rockers Slimfit perform at 11PM at the Chamelon Club. (Reminder that Kingsfoil are also playing this summer’s WXPN XPoNential Music Festival on July 22, 23 and 24!)

Saturday highlights include: Johnny Action Figure at the Lizard Lounge at 9PM; Dana Alexandra at Annie Bailey’s (10:45PM), and The Mint at the Chameleon Club at 12:30AM.

For the complete list of venues and musicians who are performing click here. For complete registration information click here. Below, check out videos from Slimfit and Kingsfoil.

About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH

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About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH